For winter vacation, I have a month off. A friend of mine is going away, and I'm not allowed to go with her. So I lied and told my parents that I get to go to Chicago to talk about my school (which I've done before). But I'm going to Puerto Rico with my friend instead. I would tell the truth, but I'm 18, and I don't get to go away on vacations without my parents. Plus, I'm in too deep. Is it totally wrong to lie, or should I not go and tell the truth?

Karyme, 18, Bronx, NY

I think you already know the answer. If you go through with this lie, are you going to call your parents from Puerto Rico and tell them about your great speech in Chicago? How many more lies will you have to tell them to keep up the charade?

Not to preach, but this will really drive a wedge into your relationship. Plus, the odds of them finding out the truth seem really high. As much as it sucks to have to skip the trip, fess up before it's too late. The trip is just a few weeks of your life, but the lie could destroy a trust that might take years to rebuild--not worth it.